Hardwood floors can last for decades — but they don’t last forever without care. In Calgary’s climate, where winter dryness and summer swings in humidity put extra stress on wood, homeowners often face the question: When is it time to refinish my hardwood floor? Below is a guide tailored to Calgary conditions, with when-to-act signs, timing tips, and local considerations.
Why the Calgary climate matters
Before digging into signs, it’s helpful to understand how Calgary’s weather affects wood floors:
Dry winters: Indoor heating drops humidity levels, causing wood to shrink and occasionally crack or gap.
Spring/summer humidity: The reverse — wood can expand, leading to minor cupping or edge swelling if the moisture control is poor.
Fluctuations: Frequent swings between dry and humid conditions accelerate wear on the finish, especially on joints and edges.
UV exposure: Sunlight through windows can accelerate fading or discoloration, particularly in sunlit rooms facing south or west.
Because of these stresses, a finish can degrade faster in Calgary than in more stable climates. Choosing species and finishes suited to our seasonal extremes is key.
Heritage Hardwood offers “dust-free sanding/refinishing” to reduce mess and health concerns.
Key signs that your floors need refinishing
Here are common indicators that it’s time to refinish:
Visible scratches, scuffs, or worn “paths”
Especially in high-traffic zones like hallways, near doors, or under chairs. If the scratches cut through the clear finish into bare wood, that’s a red flag.Dull or faded appearance
The finish no longer reflects light; the wood looks “flat” or chalky. Discoloration or patchiness near windows (versus under rugs) is especially telling.Water doesn’t bead
Do the “water drop test”: place a drop of water on the floor. If it beads, the finish is intact; if it soaks in quickly, the protective layer is failing. (This test is often mentioned in refinishing guides.)Splinters, rough feel, or uneven texture
You might begin to feel rough patches or even small splinters underfoot — a sign the top layer is compromised.Creaking, gaps, or movement
As the finish breaks down and moisture moves in and out, boards may start squeaking, or slight gaps may open or close seasonally. While some movement is natural, excessive shifting may mean the floor is struggling.Dark stains, water damage, or cupping
Deep stains, water rings, or boards that cup (edges lifted) show moisture intrusion beyond what a new finish alone can solve. In severe cases, parts may need replacement, not just refinishing.Time factor / age and traffic
A general rule is to refinish every 7–10 years in high-traffic areas, or 10–15 years in lower-traffic zones — assuming normal wear.
If your floor is decades old and has already been refinished multiple times, it might be nearing the limit where a full replacement is more practical than another sanding.
Contact us today for a free quote. we’ll get back to quickly to help you make a decision on moving ahead with flooring refinishing or installation.
